How we test
Sampling
Collecting your DNA for analysis is the only stage in which you will be required in person. We use a method for sampling your DNA which has been developed to be highly reliable, relatively quick and easy to perform whilst remaining non-invasive and pain free. This method is known as a buccal smear. A device (similar to a cotton-tipped bud) is wiped on the inside of the cheek. We require a minimum of 2 samples in order to carry out testing. This procedure must be performed by a medical professional (eg. doctor, nurse) or a Crucial Genetics employee.
All the equipment required to perform sampling is provided by us in a DNA sampling kit. We use 1 kit per person, each kit contains 4 x head ejecting buccal swabs for performing the buccal smear (2 required by us plus 2 spare in order to practice or in case of contamination). 2 x vials for ejecting buccal swab head into for returning to us. 1 x pair of sterile gloves (to be worn by the medical professional performing the smear). 2 x sets of Crucial Genetics terms and conditions (1 for the sample donor and 1 for the medical professional performing the procedure). 1 x consent form (which must be completed by the sample donor, the sample donor's legal guardian if the sample donor is under the age of 18 and the medical professional performing the procedure). 1 x tamper evident envelope (for returning the samples and the consent form. 1 x pre-paid return envelope (for putting the tamper evident envelope into when returning. The package must be sealed and sent back to us by the medical professional performing the procedure.
Profiling the DNA
Once the DNA samples have returned into our laboratory, the packages are inspected for evidence of being tampered. If there is no evidence, the information on the consent form is verified. If the information is correct then we start work to profile the DNA.
The method for profiling your DNA is known as STC-PCR DNA profiling. This method is the most up to date and reliable method for profiling DNA for the purposes of familial kinship analysis (relationship testing).
Analysis
Once we have produced your DNA Profile it will be analysed by a qualified analyst to establish a relationship or not. The analysis done is the most accurate form of analysis available for this type of test. We closely examine certain parts of your genetic code that vary greatly between different people. The DNA patterns between different individuals do not match on one or more DNA probes (markers), then there is a 0% chance of a biological relationship. We analyse 16 genetic markers including all the ENFSI LOCI markers.
Our findings are then collated into a report which is signed off by one of our experts.
Please see Results for further information.